An empty chair sends 'strong' message

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge chose to stay away from the event and sent a pre-recorded message, emphasizing the roles of past Prime Ministers and accusing the present government of targeting the opposition.

An unoccupied seat marked for Kharge was seen amidst the historic Red Fort venue where PM Modi spoke. Kharge cited an eye ailment as his reason for not attending and explained that he needed to raise the flag at home and at the Congress office.

He noted, "Considering the extensive security for the PM, we wouldn't have been allowed to leave until the Home Minister, Defence Minister, and Speaker departed, making attendance impossible."

Kharge lamented, "Previous Prime Ministers, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, worked for the nation's development and democracy. Today, our democracy, Constitution, and autonomous bodies are gravely threatened. They employ various tactics to silence opposition voices. Not only through CBI, ED, and IT raids, but the Election Commission's authority is also diminishing. Opposition MPs face suppression, suspensions, muted mics, and expunged speeches."

"True leaders don't erase history but build on it. The current administration constantly renames schemes, projects, and even laws, eroding democracy with their authoritarian approach. From 'acche din' to 'new India,' and now 'Amrut Kaal' - they mask their failures by renaming. Isn't this a diversion from real issues?" questioned Kharge. Kharge listed the creation of Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), AIIMS, space and atomic research as signs of progress that he said were undermined by the current government.

Nehru, he said, promoted art, culture, and literature in newly independent India.

The policies of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi helped India become atma nirbhar (selfreliant), he said, using one of PM Modi's key mantras.